This Ruffled Side Knot Is An Easy Way to Transform Your Plain White T-shirt

This may surprise you, but a simple T-shirt can be just as fashionable as any other top. When paired with your favorite high-waisted jeans, a T-shirt can be knotted, tucked, tied and wrapped in different ways to give it more pizzazz. That’s why we’re sharing how to tie a shirt knot to bring more personality to your look.

Below, you’ll find 10 shirt knot ideas. We have the basic front knots, back knots and side knots. Those who prefer more elevated and cropped styles can consider the ruffled side knot or the pretzel knot (and yes, the finished look should be just as eye-catching as the treat itself!). And if you’re looking forward to wearing button-down shirts for the cooler weather, we have a knot idea just for you! Plus, we have a few creative fake knot options that’ll require a rubber band and a decorative scarf.

Remember, when making these knots, your shirt can be as low or cropped as you’d like. It all depends on your personal preference and plans for the day. So, grab a white T-shirt (preferably one with a bit of stretch), stand in front of the mirror and get to knotting, because we’re showing you how something so simple can be transformed into a must-have piece.

Front Knot

Changing your T-shirt’s style can be as easy as creating a knot in the front. Let the knot hang as low or high as you want, all while making sure the knot is tight for a fitted look.

1. Fold up the T-shirt in the back.
2. Grab a section of your shirt’s fabric in the front.
3. Twist the front section into a spiral.
4. Wrap the spiral around itself until you create a ball, before pulling the end piece through the hole.


Back Knot





Consider a back knot if you want the shirt to look tighter and more fitted in the front. It’s just as easy as a front knot, with only minimal changes to the steps.

1. Fold up your T-shirt in the front.
2. Grab a section of the shirt’s fabric in the back.
3. Twist the back section into a spiral.
4. Wrap the spiral around itself until you create a ball, before pulling the end piece through the hole.


Two Side Knots





It’s double the knot and double the style! Create a simple knot on both sides of the shirt. If you create the knots in your midsection or higher, it’ll give you a cropped look that’s perfect for summer.

1. Separate the shirt into two.
2. Create a knot on both sides similar to the front knot by following these instructions:
• Twist the section until it forms a spiral.
• Wrap it around the ball and pull the end piece through.
  

Optional: Rubber bands will help keep your knots in place.





Pretzel Knot





We call this a pretzel knot because the shape reminds us of the salty chip itself. It’s a style that works well with different types of shirts, including long-sleeved picks that need a bit more oomph.

1. Grab both sides of your shirt.
2. Pull the sides to the front and create a basic knot:
• Create a basic knot by crossing one end of the shirt over the other.
• Insert one end of the shirt into the loop or hole.
• Pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten the knot.
• Tuck the ends into the shirt for a cleaner look. The ends should not be sticking out.




Side Knot



It’s like the front and back knot, except this time it’s on the side of your waist. Follow the same instructions to create a basic knot. Remember, these knots can be made as high or low as you’d like.

1. Focus on the side of your shirt.
2. Create a knot similar to the spiral method used for the front and back:
• Grab a section of your shirt’s fabric in the back.
• Twist the back section into a spiral.
• Wrap the spiral around itself until you create a ball, before pulling the end piece through the hole.

Optional: Leave the end sticking out of your knot or tuck it in for a cleaner look.

A Simple Knot and Scarf





Use a decorative scarf to give any of your knots a boost of color or visual appeal.

1. Create a knot similar to the first knot instructions.
2. Wrap a decorative scarf around your knot.

Optional: Based on your preference, keep the scarf’s tails hanging or continue wrapping them around your knot until hidden.

Button-Down Shirt Knot





Here’s a knot idea specifically for your button-down shirts. For cooler weather, you’ll want to find creative ways to give long-sleeve shirts some flair.

1. Button your shirt but leave the two ends out.
2. Create a basic knot by crossing one end of the shirt over the other.
3. Insert one end of the shirt into the loop or hole.
4. Pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten the knot.


Ruffled Side Knot





This may be one of the cutest knots on our list. It’s a unique ruffled look that you can recreate with your own T-shirt rather than going for a store-bought version.

1. Take two pieces of the material mid-tummy on both sides.
2. Pull those two pieces to the side of your choosing.
3. Create a basic knot by crossing one end of the shirt over the other.
4. Insert one end of the shirt into the loop.
5. Pull both ends in opposite directions to tighten the knot.


Rubber Band “Knot” and Tuck





If knots aren’t your forte or you find these ideas to be complicated, then use a rubber band to fake it.

1. Take one side of your shirt and wrap the end with a rubber band.
2. Tuck the extended piece underneath your shirt to hide the “knot.”

Criss-Cross Shirt Tie





Here’s another shirt idea that’ll look like it’s knotted, but in reality, your tee is just crisscrossed and tucked!

1. Cross your arms and grab both sides of your shirt.
2. Cross the sides over.
3. Tuck the ends underneath your shirt.




Assistant Editor

Mariah Thomas (she/her) is an assistant editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home and lifestyle content. Mariah has more than four years of editorial experience, having written for TLC, Apartment Therapy, Women’s Health and Avocado Magazine. She received her master’s degree in journalism at the Craig Newmark Graduate School of Journalism and published her first book, Heart and Soul: Poems of Thoughts and Emotions, in 2019. She’s also the founder of RTF Community a platform for creatives of color to connect, learn and showcase their work.